Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

The Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (DARC) is a multi-disciplinary Centre engaging staff with social science, health and humanities backgrounds across the University. The Centre builds on a long tradition of cutting-edge research and promotes the
'golden circle' of linked research, teaching and knowledge transfer. It has established a network of associated members – independent researchers, NGOs, SMEs and service providers – to further the aim of conducting research which is relevant to policy and practice as well as contributing
to the advancement of knowledge.

Areas of expertise within DARC include alcohol and drug policy, aspects of policy implementation at local level, youth and substance use, substance use and ethnicity, older people and alcohol, drugs/alcohol and the criminal justice system, evaluation of policy and services.

The research generates a range of high quality publications including books, journal papers and reports. Open seminars, conferences and events are arranged, providing opportunities for staff, students, service providers and community members to find out about the Centre's research and to engage in
discussion about current issues in substance use/ addiction.

DARC supports postgraduate research students and a master in dual diagnosis; staff teach on a range of methodology programmes.